Walter Wayne Jernigan

On Thursday, May 14, 2020, Walter Wayne Jernigan, loving husband and father of six children passed away at the age of 88. Walter was born on January 9, 1932 in Wartrace, TN to James and Ola Jernigan. On December 24, 1953 he married Virginia. They raised five daughters, Judith, Donna, Alma, Jane and Carol, and one son, Walter Jr. He joined the Navy in 1949 and served 30 years before retiring from the US Navy Seabees. His military career took him to Korea, Philippines, Okinawa, Vietnam, Alaska, Hawaii and multiple state side bases. He was very proud to be a Seabee in the US Navy. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. His life’s loves include his family, his children, fishing, and his multiple furry four legged friends. Walter never met a person that he didn’t like or learn from. But his biggest love of all was his beloved wife, Virginia, of 62 years. The last six years of his life was spent with his daughter, Donna and her husband Rick Thompson in Concord, NC which he found very fulfilling to end his life where it began in the South. His wife, Virginia, one grandchild, three brothers and his parents preceded Walter in death. He is survived by six children, his brother Willard, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Private interment will be held at the Salisbury National Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury, NC. A memorial for friends and family will be at a later date due to the impact of the current pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust or local animal shelter.